OK, so the "word of the year" for 2007 was "locavore," so you know that that bandwagon was going to get very full very fast. Also, the bloom is off the "organic" rose, so to speak, now that giants like Wal-Mart and BJ's are touting their "organic" wares. And anyone who does a little homework can find out that the "organic" label, while stringent, is also kind of elastic. Plus it's extremely hard for small producers, like the 2 CSAs around here (Tyngsboro and Groton), to actually pony up the money to be certified as organic. Yes, they have to pay for the designation.
The Merr. Valley is full of local stuff; so it makes me scratch my head a bit when stores and marketers really stretch the "local" angle. Shaw's Dairy, Carlisle Honey, Chip-in Farm (Bedford) for eggs, Elm Turkey Farm, and on and on. You pay for it, but often it's worth it...

Having read the Omivore's Dilemma, it really has hit home that Americans' eating habits are terribly out of whack with what is best for us and our planet.

I belong to the Tyngsboro CSA and can't WAIT for the produce to start in again this year. It really has trained me to look twice at the vegetables at Market Basket. I really question those green beans in February and have tried to put away some of the extras we get in our share in the summer.

We also buy their eggs and pork - I have given up eating beef from anything but locally raised, grass fed cows and am considering buying a share in a meat CSA in VT that delivers monthly to Arlington (and is considering a stop in Andover since there are a number of customers there).

It is a shame that the industrialization of agriculture has brought us to this point in the US. We really should be afraid of our food. Does anyone know if other countries around the world have these issues in their food supply?

I hadn't heard of CSA before your post so I just read about the Bear Hill one. It sounds very interesting. About how much does something like that cost? It sounds like it's like comparing apples and oranges, but, is it generally cheaper or cost more than getting produce at Market Basket?

I participate in the World Peas CSA and I love that I receive fresh, local produce throughout the summer and fall. The produce is not only out-of-this-world delicious, but participating cuts way down on my trips to the supermarket and stretches my cooking creativity. I really look forward to the beginning of the season.

I think that eating locally is important for both environmental and economic reasons. When I lived in San Francisco it was much easier to eat both locally and seasonally, unfortunately in New England it is a lot more difficult, but I do the best that I can. Supporting local farmers and business may cost more in the short term but I see it as an investment in my community that will pay off in the long term.